Chapter 12 - Les Ultras - A Coalition of Convenience

Image - The Coalition of Convenience formed at Lehmitz Tavern Die Alten Hofs lingered in the Elven Wood longer than they had planned, their wounds not only of the body but of the soul needed healing. The forest offered some balm—its light filtered softly through the amber-green canopy, birdsong echoed like fragments of forgotten lullabies, and the scent of pine and bloom dulled the sharper pains of loss. But time, even in an Elven realm, marched on. Helga was the first to leave. Ever restless, her heart called to the salty wind of the sea. “The tides will not wait for grief,” she had said. “And Helgoland does not forgive delay.” She embraced each of her companions with a firmness that belied her sadness, but by the time the party woke the next morning, she was already gone—her trail fading into the eastbound paths of the forest. Sundras vanished next. No words, no farewells—only the silent departure of shadows. One of the Elven scouts swore they saw a flicker of dark m...